Growing MicroGreens in your Garden

Life can get stressful, and these days it seems there are stressors around every corner. It is more important than ever than to eat well, get some exercise, and get the proper amounts of sleep. Many people are looking for additional ways to relax and find serenity, and growing microgreens may be the perfect addition to your life right now.

Changing your diet or lifestyle doesn’t have to involve a large shift in routine. If your have limited space or sunlight but still long to grow plants, cultivating microgreens could fulfill your wish to eat a healthier diet, grow houseplants and create a better lifestyle for yourself.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are simply herbs and vegetables that are harvested while they are still small and not fully grown. At this stage of growth, they are packed full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The nutrients are concentrated, meaning you get more nutrients from microgreens than you do by consuming an equivalent amount of the fully-matured plants.

It is important to note that microgreens are not sprouts; they are two different types of small, healthy plants. Only the stems and leaves of microgreens are harvested after less than 4 weeks of germination, while the entire sprout plant – roots, stems, and seeds – is harvested at maturity to eat. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chia, mustard, and sunflower are some of the easiest and most common microgreens you can grow.

Why Grow Microgreens?

Microgreens are not just beneficial because they are nutritious. Their size makes them ideal plants for a small space such as a small balcony, windowsill, or sunroom in your condo. If you love to garden but are extremely limited on space, microgreens may be the perfect option for you. They are easy to grow as well; they grow well in glass jars with just a little bit of soil. Microgreens bring a bit of joy and nature into your home with low effort and a nutrition-packed reward.

How to Grow Them

Gather the seeds of whichever microgreens you would like to grow.

Besides the varieties listed above, you can also cultivate dill, peas, leeks, spinach, basil, amaranth, cilantro, and more as microgreens.

• We recommend only planting one species per pot or tray. Since microgreens are harvested when they are only 1-2 inches tall, they have minimal nutrient and rooting-space requirements. Just a couple inches of soil media will be more than enough for them to grow well.
• Since you start growing microgreens from seeds, they require a few days of darkness and humidity in order to properly germinate. An opaque plastic pot or tray works just fine to provide these conditions.
• Mist the growing medium and underside of the cover twice a day to maintain humidity. This simulates the conditions they would experience outside buried under soil and shaded by bigger plants.
• After about 5 days, your seeds will be ready to receive light. A sunny window or a couple LED light bulbs should provide enough light for most microgreen species. If you notice your seedlings are stretching and becoming leggy, move them to a brighter space. The goal is to grow plants with plenty of leaves and little height.
• In terms of watering, keep them moist! Mist your greens as they grow to keep the soil moist. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as the high humidity can cause them to rot.
• Cut and harvest your microgreens after about 4 weeks of growth. You can use them to garnish or flavor almost any dish like salad, tacos, wraps, smoothies, or soups!

Come to Big Earth Landscape Supply for all your gardening needs. We have 4 area locations to browse for ideas, inspiration and advice.